Strava and For All Mothers+ Join Forces to Empower Moms in Racing Events
Strava, the renowned fitness app dedicated to active individuals, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering mothers through its ongoing collaboration with For All Mothers+. This partnership has led to the introduction of the 2026 edition of the For All Mothers+ Childcare Grants. Sponsored by Right to Run, a program under On’s Community Impact umbrella, and GU Energy Labs, these grants seek to mitigate the many obstacles mothers face when attempting to participate in racing events.
The 2026 Childcare Grants are uniquely structured to support active mothers by addressing various challenges that hinder their involvement in races. The grants offer $2,000 to 25 mothers across the United States, aiding in covering expenses such as childcare, travel costs, and training requirements that specifically cater to their needs post-motherhood. In addition to financial support, recipients will receive gear from On Running and nutritional assistance from GU Energy Labs. They will also gain lifetime access to the FAM+ Club community, which provides free resources tailored to help mothers navigate their athletic journeys. Further enhancing the program, a one-year membership to Runna will be provided, offering tailored training support. Notably, mothers will have the opportunity to run as part of the For All Mothers+ Every Woman’s Marathon charity team, sharing their stories to champion the cause of mother-athletes.
Brian Bell, Vice President of Communications and Social Impact at Strava, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "Strava is for everyone, and that means supporting our community in how they want to move through every chapter of their active lives. From a first postpartum workout to crossing a finish line, these grants aim to dismantle the barriers that prevent mothers from actively participating in races." His sentiments are echoed in the experiences shared by last year's recipients, such as Megan Connolly, who reflected on how the grant transformed her journey back to racing, helping her qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon.
The need for such support becomes evident when considering findings from the Race Towards Equity study conducted by For All Mothers+. The research indicated that a staggering 83% of parents felt that parenthood curtailed their ability to participate in races, with 66% citing lack of childcare as a significant barrier. Furthermore, 40% of respondents refrained from racing due to the logistical challenges of breastfeeding or pumping during events. Moreover, 92% of surveyed parents expressed a strong preference for races featuring family-friendly amenities, illustrating that catering to these needs is not merely a social responsibility, but a smart business strategy within the racing industry.
Alysia Montaño, founder of For All Mothers+, stressed the importance of addressing these systemic barriers. She stated, "We know that movement has positive effects, both physically and mentally. We want mothers to know their needs are valid. Support should exist without requiring sacrifice." The ongoing collaboration between Strava and For All Mothers+ showcases how analyzing data leads to actionable solutions that uplift mothers across the country, ensuring they have access to resources that promote both their health and their passions.
The Childcare Grants represent a pivotal effort in reshaping the sports culture to include and support active mothers fully. Event organizers are also encouraged to download the Event Standardization Playbook and utilize resources like Strava Waypoints to create more inclusive race environments.
Applications for the 2026 Childcare Grants are currently open and close on June 10, 2026, with notifications sent out on July 20, 2026. For additional information and eligibility requirements, interested candidates can visit the For All Mothers+ website.
Ultimately, this initiative signifies a broader movement towards equity in sports, with the hope that by paving the way for mothers to pursue their athletic goals, future generations will benefit from a more inclusive and supportive racing environment. Strava and For All Mothers+ are leading the charge to ensure that motherhood does not mean sacrificing one’s athletic ambitions, transforming the narrative surrounding mothers in movement.
The 2026 Childcare Grants are uniquely structured to support active mothers by addressing various challenges that hinder their involvement in races. The grants offer $2,000 to 25 mothers across the United States, aiding in covering expenses such as childcare, travel costs, and training requirements that specifically cater to their needs post-motherhood. In addition to financial support, recipients will receive gear from On Running and nutritional assistance from GU Energy Labs. They will also gain lifetime access to the FAM+ Club community, which provides free resources tailored to help mothers navigate their athletic journeys. Further enhancing the program, a one-year membership to Runna will be provided, offering tailored training support. Notably, mothers will have the opportunity to run as part of the For All Mothers+ Every Woman’s Marathon charity team, sharing their stories to champion the cause of mother-athletes.
Brian Bell, Vice President of Communications and Social Impact at Strava, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, "Strava is for everyone, and that means supporting our community in how they want to move through every chapter of their active lives. From a first postpartum workout to crossing a finish line, these grants aim to dismantle the barriers that prevent mothers from actively participating in races." His sentiments are echoed in the experiences shared by last year's recipients, such as Megan Connolly, who reflected on how the grant transformed her journey back to racing, helping her qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon.
The need for such support becomes evident when considering findings from the Race Towards Equity study conducted by For All Mothers+. The research indicated that a staggering 83% of parents felt that parenthood curtailed their ability to participate in races, with 66% citing lack of childcare as a significant barrier. Furthermore, 40% of respondents refrained from racing due to the logistical challenges of breastfeeding or pumping during events. Moreover, 92% of surveyed parents expressed a strong preference for races featuring family-friendly amenities, illustrating that catering to these needs is not merely a social responsibility, but a smart business strategy within the racing industry.
Alysia Montaño, founder of For All Mothers+, stressed the importance of addressing these systemic barriers. She stated, "We know that movement has positive effects, both physically and mentally. We want mothers to know their needs are valid. Support should exist without requiring sacrifice." The ongoing collaboration between Strava and For All Mothers+ showcases how analyzing data leads to actionable solutions that uplift mothers across the country, ensuring they have access to resources that promote both their health and their passions.
The Childcare Grants represent a pivotal effort in reshaping the sports culture to include and support active mothers fully. Event organizers are also encouraged to download the Event Standardization Playbook and utilize resources like Strava Waypoints to create more inclusive race environments.
Applications for the 2026 Childcare Grants are currently open and close on June 10, 2026, with notifications sent out on July 20, 2026. For additional information and eligibility requirements, interested candidates can visit the For All Mothers+ website.
Ultimately, this initiative signifies a broader movement towards equity in sports, with the hope that by paving the way for mothers to pursue their athletic goals, future generations will benefit from a more inclusive and supportive racing environment. Strava and For All Mothers+ are leading the charge to ensure that motherhood does not mean sacrificing one’s athletic ambitions, transforming the narrative surrounding mothers in movement.
Topics Sports）
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